Patriot missile stocks in Europe fall below critical levels, AP reports
Photo: The Patriot shortage in Europe was caused by the US conflict with Iran (Getty Images)
Why the air defense missile shortage has emerged
According to the outlet, amid fighting in the Middle East, the United States moved a significant portion of its missile stockpiles from Europe to protect its own forces and allies from Iranian attacks.
According to experts, the US has already used around 65% of its Patriot missiles, or approximately 1,500 out of 2,330.
The US military in Europe certainly does not have enough Patriot missiles to stop any potential sustained ballistic missile attack, a US defense official said.
The shortage of interceptors capable of shooting down Russia’s high-speed ballistic missiles is of greatest concern. In the event of a hypothetical Russian strike on targets in Europe, the alliance’s air defense systems would have "very limited" capabilities to repel the attack.
Military analysts note that missile deliveries to Ukraine were planned and measured. By contrast, stockpiles in the Middle East were depleted unexpectedly quickly, exposing limitations in production chains.
What the Pentagon and NATO say
Meanwhile, NATO command and the US Department of Defense have officially rejected claims that European defenses are at risk of becoming ineffective.
NATO spokesperson Martin O’Donnell said the Alliance has enough air defense ammunition to defend itself and to continue providing assistance to Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell called claims of a critical ammunition shortage "false," emphasizing that the United States has a "deep, ready arsenal."
Experts note that Europe’s first Patriot missile production plant is expected to open in Germany in September, but a significant replenishment of stocks is expected closer to 2030.
Air defense situation and missile shortages in Ukraine
Ukraine regularly faces massive combined Russian attacks, which are depleting the resources of its air defense systems.
Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new steps to protect Ukraine’s skies from ballistic missiles. According to him, although allies have made certain decisions to strengthen air defenses, the current level of assistance remains insufficient to fully meet Ukraine’s needs.
At the same time, the Ukrainian Air Force emphasizes that the problem is not limited to Patriot systems.
As Air Force Communications Command spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said, Ukraine is facing a general shortage of air defense missiles. The military needs significant quantities of ammunition for both various types of ground-based systems and aircraft.
